Alberta boasts a vibrant theatre scene. The Martha Cohen Theatre is a leading creative hub in Calgary, working closely with Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP). In this calgary-trend article, we’ll delve into the theatre’s activities and the organization’s crucial role in fostering Calgary’s performing arts.
The History of Alberta Theatre Projects
Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP) was founded in Calgary in 1972 by Douglas Riske, Lucille Wagner, and Paddy Campbell. It’s a professional, not-for-profit theatre company currently housed in the Martha Cohen Theatre. ATP is renowned across Canada and internationally. The company initially operated out of the 198-seat Canmore Opera House but moved to the larger, 419-seat Martha Cohen Theatre in downtown Calgary in 1985.
Throughout its history, ATP has produced over 288 plays, including the premiere of 156 works by Canadian playwrights, which have collectively earned over 39 awards. Between 1985 and 2000, renowned composer Allan Rae served as ATP’s composer-in-residence, and many productions featured his original scores. Today, ATP presents a season of six plays annually.
Alberta Theatre Projects maintains strong relationships with the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association, the Associated Designers of Canada, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), and the Playwrights Guild of Canada.
About the Martha Cohen Theatre
The Martha Cohen Theatre features a beautiful and unique Georgian-inspired design. This style draws inspiration from the era when homes were built around an internal courtyard. This layout was intended to accommodate travelling theatrical troupes, allowing them to perform in the open space while spectators simply opened their windows to watch the show.
This design preserves the intimacy that defined ATP’s original home at the Canmore Opera House. Even with a full house of 419 seats, no audience member is further from the stage than they were at the old venue. The seating is arranged in a semi-circle around the stage, ensuring excellent sightlines for everyone.
Today, the Martha Cohen Theatre is a versatile, modern venue, fully equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, a gallery, and five stage lifts. The orchestra seating section can be retracted or moved to create a cabaret-style atmosphere. The theatre was named in honour of Martha Cohen, who was instrumental in the development and construction of the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts.
Martha Cohen spearheaded many major civic projects, including championing the construction of the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts (now Arts Commons) in 1985, which houses the theatre named after her. Following her passing in 2015, the Dr. Martha Cohen School was also named in her honour. She was one of Calgary’s leading humanitarians and philanthropists.
The Repertoire
Alberta Theatre Projects is a world-class contemporary theatre and a recognized leader in new play development. The company specializes in staging provocative and contemporary works, curated from the best Canadian plays. Many of these pieces are developed in-house. ATP explores vital themes, including gender and cultural perspectives. The company’s productions are thought-provoking and often blur the lines between the audience and the artist.
For five decades, Alberta Theatre Projects has been creating a vibrant cultural space for audiences of all ages. ATP is committed to artistic excellence and enriching the lives of theatre-goers throughout the region. Together with the Martha Cohen Theatre, they create a stage where innovation, tradition, and bold artistic experimentation converge.
